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Topic Review (Newest First)

03-12-2013 07:17 PM

kj3564

Re: Knee Replacement

I had a TKR on right knee this past September 20, was sailing December 8. After completing PT in early November ROM was 121 degrees. Since November, knee still has inflammation and restricts ROM but near 127 degrees. I can kneel OK on left knee but the right knee is tender. I was able to change oil, fluids and winterize the boat in late December. Recovery was slow the first few weeks, it was two weeks before I could do a leg lift and 3 weeks on a walker. I worked out 4 month strengthening the knee before surgery. I now have no pain and walk as much as I like but the knee will swell some. The surgery can lead to a number of complications so ask a lot of questions.

03-12-2013 07:05 PM

Brezzin

Knee Replacement

First hand experience . I had both knees done. Feb 2012. After about 12 weeks your in pretty good shape. Sailing has been no problem. Although you can't spend to much time kneeling down. You just find different ways to do things. Now bear in mind I'm younger than you. I'm 53 but you should not let it worry you. Don't kid yourself. It not like original equipment. One other thing as another poster said. You only get out of it what you put in. So don't cut corners on the rehab and rehab really sucks.

Make sure you have a surgeon who is really well trained and experienced in total knee replacement.
The metal on metal joint replacement prostheses were not well thought through. Do not allow a metal on metal replacement under any circumstances. Very important!

Agreed! My father still has the old style hips they have been using since the early 70s.. with some updates to lesson the amount of glue used to hold them in place.. those are still the "good" hips as they do not allow metal on metal contact which will eventually fill the body with microscopic metal particles

03-12-2013 08:46 AM

pdqaltair

Re: Knee Replacement

My wife had TKR ~ 7 years ago; as many have said, the rehab is very tough, but she is certainly better and has less pain. Mobility? Enough. We were sailing Sunday.

She also has a co-worker that had TKN and has been fighting infection for 9 months (parts out, several antibiotic inserts...). He still does not have the final repair in place and the infection still simmers. Active guy. Not trying to be negative, but it is a serious matter, not like a motor rebuild. I have a gimpy knee to, and it makes me pause.

03-12-2013 08:19 AM

flandria

Re: Knee Replacement

Ignoring some of the levity offered by some, you have been given some good advice. My wife (who will turn 67) soon will need 2 new knees. The most recent advice the surgeon gave her is: If you are without pain, or it can be reasonably controlled, don't do the surgery (yet), and do proper exercise. We also have an acquaintance, in his 70s, who recently had 2 knees replaced (seperate procedures, of course) and has gone through convalescence. He is happy. And, I can testify to that, he walks fast, again. Good luck.

03-12-2013 08:06 AM

dongreerps

Re: Knee Replacement

Make sure you have a surgeon who is really well trained and experienced in total knee replacement.
The metal on metal joint replacement prostheses were not well thought through. Do not allow a metal on metal replacement under any circumstances. Very important!
The results from joint replacement depend upon the effort the patient puts into their rehab. Putting extra effort into your rehab will repay you many times over. Hang a full length mirror at the end of the longest hall in your house. Plan to watch yourself walk post op, and MAKE yourself walk with a flat out dead level symmetrical gait. No cheating here, do it right.
The rehab specialists will have lots of suggestions and tricks. Here is some additional. When you are able start riding a bicycle. Having your body tied into a mechanical device will ensure that your motions are symmetrical. Or better yet, row in a sliding seat rowing shell.
The old rehab saw "No pain no gain" is BS and counter productive. Pain means something is being stretched beyond it's limits. You want to push yourself well into discomfort, but not pain. Your goal is for your muscles to be really tired at the end of a rehab session, but able to recover by the next morning.
If your knee is really giving you trouble now, and cymbalta etc doesn't help, then post op you will be grateful. If your knee is just sore, live with it

03-12-2013 08:04 AM

lancelot9898

Re: Knee Replacement

And here I thought the topic was knee replacement for the chain plates.

03-11-2013 08:12 PM

mad_machine

Re: Knee Replacement

My father had his first hip replacement at 23 years old. the second at 25 and is now looking forwards to hips number 7 and 8 at age 65..

Never stopped him from getting into or out of a boat

03-11-2013 08:00 PM

bobnpaula

Re: Knee Replacement

My sister was an active 50-something, triple black diamond skier and blew out her ACL. The choice was to live gingerly and not be as active, or replace it. She is now back to doing everything she did, if not better. But, as mentioned, post-op rehab and physical therapy is the key. I have known many 60-somethings who've done TKR and are all glad they did it.(I'm a nurse, with lots of patients in this category) The rehab can be painful and tedious, but if you are determined, you will end up more agile and active than you are now. Find a good surgeon, with lots of experience and a good track record. Good luck!

03-11-2013 06:47 PM

kd3pc

Re: Knee Replacement

as long as you can walk and play and tolerate the pain and ache with some tylenol....do so....surgery like this is not to be taken lightly. It is major and has risks.

Most do very well with the surgery, others not so much. Part of it is the Dr, of course, part is the artificial joint and who made it and the biggie is the post op deal. Therapy is "un-comfortable"....the truth is, some days it hurts like hades. But you have to rebuild all the motion, strength and coordination. The sooner your Dr will let you up and around the better.

I had a friend who had both knees (some Dr will only do one at a time, now) done at the same time in October, and he was down hill skiing in Jan, and swore he was more comfortable with his new knees, than years with the original equipment.

Best of luck no matter what you decide.

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